Use of Smart Textiles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

Reema Dutta

Independent Researcher

Assam, India

Abstract

Smart textiles, an innovative class of functional fabrics, have emerged as a promising platform for transdermal drug delivery systems. By integrating responsive materials and microelectronic components into textiles, researchers have developed wearable solutions that combine comfort with therapeutic functionality. This manuscript explores the mechanisms and technologies enabling smart textile-based drug delivery, particularly for transdermal applications. Focusing on microencapsulation, thermoresponsive materials, and textile-electrode interfaces, the paper highlights how these systems overcome traditional challenges of drug delivery such as dosage precision, patient compliance, and systemic side effects. A critical examination of existing research showcases the interdisciplinary progress across materials science, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering. Limitations of bioavailability, material biocompatibility, and delivery control are also discussed. The review concludes by identifying key research directions and suggesting methodological frameworks for optimizing textile-based delivery mechanisms through experimental design, in-vitro analysis, and wearability studies.

Keywords

Smart textiles, transdermal drug delivery, wearable therapeutics, microencapsulation, thermoresponsive fabrics, e-textiles, controlled release

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